Kilimanoor-born Raja Ravi Varma is known to be one of the leading figures in the history of modern art in India. His depictions of the Hindu gods and goddesses went on to influence their portrayal in art and cinema for years. He was celebrated for inventing the first oleograph press, which he set up in Ghatkopar in Mumbai. This gave rise to a massive production of prints of oil paintings, that resembled the original pieces closely. To commemorate his birth anniversary, today, we share what our readers can read, listen to, and watch to get to know the artist better.

Raja Ravi Varma